Expat Bangladeshi Hindu Coalition Urges UN Sanctions Against Dhaka
A coalition of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus urges India to advocate for UN sanctions against the Bangladeshi government to protect Hindus and other minorities. They demand international intervention, including peacekeeping forces, and the establishment of protected zones amid rising violence. Their five-point action plan follows the political upheaval after Sheikh Hasina’s ouster, reflecting deep-seated concerns over the deteriorating situation for minorities in Bangladesh.
A group of expatriate Bangladeshi Hindus has called upon the Indian government to advocate for UN sanctions against Bangladesh to safeguard Hindus and other religious minorities facing increasing persecution. The coalition, which represents Bangladeshi-origin individuals residing in Europe and North America, articulated their demands during a press conference in New Delhi. They argue that the political climate in Bangladesh has worsened following the ousting of Sheikh Hasina in August, prompting their appeal for international intervention.
The coalition presented a five-point plan aimed at protecting Hindus and other minority groups who, they allege, are suffering under a hostile regime. Their requests include the initiation of a “population exchange” program related to the 1947 Partition to facilitate the resettlement of displaced minorities, as well as the deployment of UN peacekeeping forces to ensure their safety. The group has also proposed establishing protected zones for minorities in Hindu-dominant areas of Bangladesh to enhance their security.
Furthermore, the group urged the Indian government to reconsider its support of Bangladesh’s contributions to UN peacekeeping, citing the need for accountability from the Bangladeshi administration for its handling of human rights violations. Sitangshu Guha, a prominent member of the alliance, referenced India’s historical assistance during Bangladesh’s liberation war and emphasized India’s role as a crucial ally in protecting the Hindu community in Bangladesh from extinction.
India’s relations with Bangladesh have deteriorated in the wake of political turmoil, compounded by reports of religious minorities enduring violence and discrimination. Recent actions, such as the detention of a Bangladeshi monk on sedition charges, have further strained ties. Despite the interim government’s dismissive stance regarding the severity of these allegations, advocates for the Hindu community argue that the vulnerability of minorities continues unabated.
The context of this appeal stems from the longstanding challenges faced by Hindus and other religious minorities in Bangladesh. The political landscape has shifted dramatically since the removal of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, leading to heightened fears among minority communities. Historical injustices and fluctuating demographic trends, notably the decline of the Hindu population in Bangladesh from 22% in 1951 to approximately 7.95% today, underscore the urgency of the coalition’s demands for protective measures and international oversight regarding minority rights.
The calls from the expatriate Bangladeshi Hindu group to the Indian government highlight significant current issues regarding the treatment of religious minorities in Bangladesh. By seeking UN sanctions and advocating for protective measures, the group aims to rectify perceived injustices rooted in historical grievances. The international community’s response and India’s potential actions could play pivotal roles in reshaping the situation and addressing pressing humanitarian concerns in Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
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